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Fallon County commissioners outline steps for 4‑H barn expansion after fairboard request
Summary
Fairboard representatives and county commissioners discussed a plan to add a lean‑to and other modifications to the north side of the 4‑H/FFA barn at the fairgrounds; commissioners described the procurement and design steps and advised the fairboard to bring a formal request and rough plan for engineering cost estimates.
Fallon County commissioners advised the Fair Board this week on the process to pursue a north‑side addition to the 4‑H/FFA barn after Fair Board representatives raised space constraints and safety concerns.
Commissioner discussion focused on next steps for design and procurement. Commissioners said the fairboard should produce a written request or bring the item to the county agenda. County staff would then seek an engineer or architect to prepare a design and cost estimate. If the engineer’s estimate is more than $80,000, the project would require a public formal bidding process; if it is below $80,000, the county would solicit quotes.
Fairground representatives described repeated crowding during the fair, noting about 40–47 pigs and nearly 47 market beef this year, and they urged solutions such as a simple open‑sided lean‑to tied into an existing garage door and cement pad to relocate pigs and free indoor stall space. Commissioners and the fairboard also discussed the wooden bleachers on the west side: removing them could open sight lines and allow a pipe fence tie‑in, but would shift storage and winter‑use considerations. Fairground speakers proposed leaving a partial wall and tying permanent pipe fencing into existing arena pins.
Commissioners emphasized procedural and budget limits repeatedly: a design and cost estimate are needed before bids; the county must follow Montana procurement rules when required by dollar thresholds; and even after bids arrive the county retains authority to accept or reject bids. Commissioners said they could attend a Fair Board meeting while the item is on that board’s agenda, and encouraged the Fair Board, 4‑H and FFA to cooperate on a single plan for the commissioners to review.
The county and Fair Board agreed to continue working together on a design that balances cost, year‑round use, and taxpayer considerations.
Ending: The Fair Board will develop written plans and return with a formal request; county staff said they will arrange engineering scoping once the fairboard’s request and site details are provided.
